Boxee Box getting closer with pre-orders and new Intel chipset

If you were going to jump for that Apple TV, you may want to hold off, as the DLink Boxee Box is planned to hit mail boxes this November. The original launch was slated for June, but due to a switch from the NVIDIA Tegra 2 chipest, to an Intel Atom CE4100 platform, Boxee Box is now back on track and is taking pre-orders for $199. The switch was to improve streaming quality, and now it can support 3D graphics too. The previously selected Nvidia Tegra 250 chip would have been close, but the bit rate is lower and high-quality HD streaming would be, not as high. The bitrate difference wouldn’t effect you viewing your media on an iPhone or iPad, but on large screens you’d definitely see the difference. No offical announcement was made as to whether a Boxee app for iPhone/iPad will be ready by November, but we should expect something in order to stream your “social media” to your mobile device and keep you entertained while taking a dump. If not, Tegra 2 or Intel, Boxee will be left watching infomercials.

The Boxee Box by D-Link, Now With Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor InsideD-Link Selects the Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processor CE4100 to Power the Boxee Box

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Sep 13, 2010 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — Today at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), D-Link and Boxee announced that the upcoming Boxee Box by D-Link now will be powered by the Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor CE4100. Additionally, starting today, Canadian customers will be able to pre-order the Boxee Box by D-Link through Best Buy at www.bestbuy.ca/boxee and Future Shop at www.futureshop.ca/boxee. Units will begin shipping in November 2010 in the US, Canada, EU and Australia.

The award winning Boxee Box by D-Link, first released in December 2009, received critical acclaim from the industry and is highly anticipated by consumers. The product is the first media device capable of playing all major media formats and codecs within a home network along with free and premium TV shows and movies, videos, music, and photos from the Internet, with support for full 1080p high-definition (HD) and 5.1 surround sound.

With its powerful Intel-based hardware, an open source software platform, and tens-of-thousands of movies, shows and apps already available, the Boxee Box gives users unparalleled access to on-demand entertainment and newfound control over their TV.

“This represents long overdue innovation to the entertainment experience that D-Link will help consumers quickly deploy through their home network. These exciting new capabilities align closely with Intel’s commitment to improving how people access and enjoy digital content on their TV,” said Lou Reda, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Division, D-Link. “We are leading a revolution that will offer tremendous new possibilities in the home.”

With its powerful Intel-based hardware, an open source software platform, and tens-of-thousands of movies, shows and apps already available, the Boxee Box gives users unparalleled access to on-demand entertainment and new found control over their TV:

TV on Your Schedule. Nearly 40,000 TV episodes available from your favorite networks, ready to watch any time you want. Huge Movie Library. Enjoy tens-of-thousands of free movies and new releases in stunning HD from premium movie services. Plays All Your Digital Stuff. Access videos, music, or pictures from your computer or home network. Tailored to Your Couch. Internet TV should be more than just Internet on your TV. The Boxee Box and two-faced QWERTY remote are designed to transform the Internet into something you’ll love watching on your HDTV from the couch. See What Your Friends Are Watching. Follow what your Facebook and Twitter friends are watching, and share your favorites too. Give Your Wallet a Break. Why pay for stuff you don’t watch? The Boxee Box lets you watch a vast range of popular TV shows and movies – you choose what you pay for! Try Boxee Now. Since its launch two years ago, Boxee has added well over one million users. The service is available for free and you can use it now! When you want to shift the viewing experience from your PC to your HDTV, the Boxee Box by D-Link automatically imports your account, bringing your favorite TV shows, apps, and friends with you.

Pricing and AvailabilityThe Boxee Box is expected to be available in November 2010 at an average street price of $199 in North America. Prices may vary in other regions.